El triángulo de la violencia de Johan Galtung

The research objectives were to:

(i) investigate how SM can be used to help improve the quality and quantity of computer programming passes for FET students;

(ii) identify how SM technologies can assist in increasing contact time for computer programming students outside normal college time;

(iii) identify factors affecting quality and quantity of passes in programming and

(iv) explain how SM can improve quality and quantity of passes in programming for FET students.

The research showed that social medium of FB can be used to increase contact time which is very important for improving quality and quantity of pass rates for FET learners studying computer programming. This was clearly evident in the findings when comparing the learners’ pass rate in the previous years. FB was also used in this research to further explain the lessons done via face-to-face for those who might have been diffident or shy during the normal contact hours. Lecturers can post programme snippets on the FB groups created so that learners can try to code the same programme to check their understanding. The research further revealed how FB helps to improve lecturer-learner relationship which is also of great importance in building a platform neccessary for learning purposes. If SM is used with lecturer invention it is more likely to motivate a positive effect towards improving passes for computer programming. This can be seen from the comparison of the results for the two groups (Lecturer contact time- LCT and Peer contact time PRCT). The average year mark for the LCT group was 72% with all learners from group passing while that of PRCT was only 46.3% with only six out of 14 learners passing in the group. Having met all the objectives of the research the researcher would like to stress that SM must not be used as a substitution for traditional teaching methods but to complement them. The findings of the research objectives of the study are discussed below:

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i. Investigate how SM can be used to help improve the quality and quantity of computer programming passes for FET students.

From the primary data it transpired that an increase in contact time plays a pivotal role in quality and number of passes in programming. Learners need assistance to do their programming work at home. It is important to note that programming is conducted in a language other than home language; students learn it as a second language, unlike other subjects such as Life Orientation. It is also easier to find someone at home who can assist learners in homework for subjects such as IS, as long as that person has a sound IT background. The same cannot be said for programming, as languages used are changed in tandem with industry needs. The group that used FB with more lecturer contact time fared far better than did other groups.

ii. Identify how SM technologies can assist in increasing contact time for computer programming students outside normal college time.

Primary data (66.6%) showed that SM can help increase contact time. This is very important in improving quality and number of passes in programming. Only three learners (14.2%) felt that FB did not help to increase contact time. Although it was very difficult to have learners on the platform at the same time, at least those who logged in to the platform could follow the conversation. In FB, once information is posted, the group administrator can see who looked at the post and all those who posted comments. The researcher noted that, as with any other practical subject such as Office Data Processing, programming is allocated an equal number of hours in the laboratory due to the complexity of the subject. This should not be the case: more hours should be devoted to the subject.

iii. Identify factors affecting quality and quantity of passes in programming.

Observation has shown that FB helped to reduce absenteeism in the programming lessons. The lecturer did not have many disciplinary issues to deal with in class because a strong bond existed between the learners and lecturers and amongst learners themselves. Most of learners treated each other with respect and in a friendly manner; this was owing to the relationship created by working together on the FB platform and it increases peer interaction. Learners can undoubtedly gain more through collaboration with classmates out of class than they do when in class. All learners with learning difficulties can express themselves freely without feeling too much scrutiny being applied compared to being face-to-face with lecturers.

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iv. Explain how SM can improve quality and quantity of passes in programming for FET students.

It emerged from the questionnaire that learners need the internet at the college to assist them in embracing new learning technologies. Learners expressed disappointment at the way in which the college blocks the use of the internet for them. The researcher had time to talk to learners; some requested that college organise work placements for them in programming companies during the holidays; allowing them some exposure to reality after studying for three years. This is a sound idea, although it may be a challenge for the college to find placements for all students. One of the learners suggested that opportunities should be given to outstanding students not only performance-wise but behaviour-wise.

It is the researcher’s view that FB is a good learning platform; but it must not be treated as a substitute for face-to-face or traditional learning and teaching methods. Diverse teaching methods help to benefit all learners of differing abilities, from various social, economic, and behavioural backgrounds. The quality and number of passes may continue to improve if the use of FB is accepted; it should also not be limited to programming subjects. The strategy at the foundation of every FET College is to develop learners who can fill the skills shortage; being academically, socially, and technologically sound. Management must apply a strategy that embraces new learning and teaching styles to improve quality and number of passes. The researcher is also of the opinion that colleges should make deals with network providers for their learners to buy data bundles at cheaper rates. Although this may be a daunting task, an effort should be made to this effect. Taking up such initiatives could be another way in which passes in programming may grow and improve in quality.

Furthermore, for FB to work well, a working policy should be adopted by both learners and lecturers. The following may be considered important rules in implenmenting FB for learning purposes:

(i) keep matters professional: use a separate account for classroom communications;

(ii) make thorough use of privacy settings;  

69 (iii) be conscious of the unintended audience; iv. address students

directly about any inappropriate language posted on one’s FB page and

(iv) avoid invitations to instal applications that would not reflect the educator-student relationship.